The 2026 Boom in Conversions to Catholicism: Statistics, Context, and Interpretations

Apr 14, 2026 17:30

A separate survey found a 57 percent increase specifically among unbaptized individuals seeking full initiation Photo: Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Analysis Opinion•Local Church

Support for Trump among Catholics plummets, according to a new poll conducted amid the war

The Catholic vote, often decisive in American elections, is once again in motion—this time under the pressure of a conflict that has revived enduring questions about conscience, authority, and the cost of war

Apr 13, 2026 17:16

Jorge Enrique Mújica

Analysis Opinion•Pope Leo XIV•Vatican Diplomacy

Trump Opens Another War Front: The Pope and the Vatican, Leo XIV Responds: «I Am Not Afraid of the Trump Administration»

The Pope’s response did not adopt the same tone. During the flight to Algeria on April 13, the first leg of his third international Apostolic Journey, Leo XIV opted for a clear approach: avoiding personal confrontation and reaffirming the nature of his mission.

Apr 13, 2026 09:53

Jorge Enrique Mújica

Cardinals and Bishops•Local Church

A bishop under the age of 60 is the new Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholics

The synod’s deliberations took place in close proximity to the Holy See, and included a meeting with Pope Leo XIV on April 10

Apr 12, 2026 19:24

ZENIT Staff

Analysis Opinion•Local Church

How many Catholic radio stations are there in the U.S., and how many listeners tune in via streaming? Major study on religious radio released

Religious radio in the United States functions simultaneously as a tool of evangelization, a source of personal guidance, a platform for cultural commentary, and, in some cases, a vehicle for political expression

Apr 12, 2026 18:27

Jorge Enrique Mújica

Cardinals and Bishops•Interview

Why Is the Pope Going to Lebanon? What Is the Dialogue with Muslims Like? And What Is the Role of Charles de Foucauld? ZENIT’s Interview with the Cardinal of Algeria

To better understand the Catholic Church in Algeria and the implications of the Holy Father’s Apostolic Visit, ZENIT interviewed Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers, who has resided in the country for more than 22 years.

Apr 11, 2026 19:37

annevanm

Amid the polarization between Trump and Leo XIV, U.S. police respond to a bomb threat at the home of the Pope’s brother

Police in New Lenox, a suburban community outside Chicago, responded on the evening of April 15 at approximately 6:30 p.m. to reports of a bomb threat at the home of John Prevost, one of the Pope’s two older brothers

Leo XIV on TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people

Pope Benedict XVI appeared three times, while Francis was featured on six occasions, reflecting different phases in the Church’s engagement with global issues

The 2026 Boom in Conversions to Catholicism: Statistics, Context, and Interpretations

Nicaragua: A Holy Week with Many Restrictions, But More Faith from Local Catholics

Although there are no diplomatic relations, the President of the National Assembly of Vietnam invites Pope Leo XIV to visit the country

Which countries have the greatest religious diversity? Here is the map published in a major study

Easter Under Fire: A Fragile Truce Between Russia and Ukraine Collapses as Fighting Resumes

3 cardinals on a prime-time TV show in the U.S.: They discuss Trump, the Pope, just war, and the surge in conversions

Trump Attacks the Pope for the Second Day, and Meloni Defends Him. The World Reacts While the Catholic Vice-President of the USA Supports Him

Support for Trump among Catholics plummets, according to a new poll conducted amid the war

Trump Opens Another War Front: The Pope and the Vatican, Leo XIV Responds: «I Am Not Afraid of the Trump Administration»

A bishop under the age of 60 is the new Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholics

How many Catholic radio stations are there in the U.S., and how many listeners tune in via streaming? Major study on religious radio released

Why Is the Pope Going to Lebanon? What Is the Dialogue with Muslims Like? And What Is the Role of Charles de Foucauld? ZENIT’s Interview with the Cardinal of Algeria